Independent acoustic consultant Sharps Redmore has added a supplement to its report on nighttime disruption caused by traffic along East London Street (Issue 347, p.1).
Following the observation of 5 bus movements here (between 06:17 and 06:26 on 16 January) and the now proven early-morning delivery of fuel by tanker to the Annandale Street depot (Issue 349, p.3), the independent experts have drawn some stark conclusions.
We quote:
‘Typically, on a smooth tarmac surface, the noise level of a passing bus measured at 10m is LAeq(1) 72 dB andLAmax(2) 77 dB. When the noise from these bus movements is averaged over 15 minutes (the accepted period for assessing noise from commercial sources between the hours of 23:00 and 07:00), this results in a noise level of around LAeq(1) 63 dB.
(1) This is typically taken to be an ‘average’ noise level.
(2) This is representative of one-off instantaneous noise levels, i.e. a bus going over a road inspection cover.
‘Taking the typical reduction through an open window and a traditional sash window (10 dB(A) and 20 dB(A) respectively), this would result in an LAeq(15 min) of 53dB and 43dB and LAmax of 67 dB and 57 dB.
‘Based on extensive research conducted by the World Health Organization, all of these noise levels are capable of causing regular sleep disturbance. Given the setted nature of the road surface, these noise levels are likely to be a strong underestimate.
‘Similarly with the fuel tanker (see Issue 348, p.3), the typical resultant noise levels in the dwellings with open windows or traditional sash windows would likely be LAeq(15 min) of 46dB and 36 dB respectively and an LAmax of 67 dB and 57 dB respectively.
‘Again, these noise levels are readily capable of causing regular sleep disturbance with the caveat of the need to consider increased levels due to the road surface on East London Street not being smooth tarmac.’
The details may be technical but the inference is clear. Noise caused by Lothian Buses’ commercial use of East London Street exceeds internationally established WHO guidelines. This will heap further pressure on LB management, Council officers and elected members to: further reduce or cease use of the street by buses and HGVs between 23:00 and 07:00; and/or tarmac the central portion of the carriageway’s surface to mitigate noise and vibration.
